Joyce's Obituary

Joyce Jean Hill Spence Beresford, aged 82, of Egg Harbor City, NJ, passed away on February 15. Born in Harlem, New York, she was the daughter of Percy Hill and Josephine Dance. Joyce spent her early years with her younger brother and southern relatives in North Carolina.

In 1950, Josephine moved the family to Egg Harbor Township, NJ, where they became active members of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Joyce worked alongside her mother, contributing to the church's activities and spiritual growth, eventually becoming the Superintendent of the Sunday School.

Joyce was a talented student in the Atlantic County School System, known for her skillful paintings and sculptures. Despite offers to pursue art education, she chose a different path. In 1958, she married Reuben Spence and together they raised three children: JoElla, Reubena, and Reuben Jr.

Joyce dedicated herself to her family, working as a school bus driver for over 20 years in the Egg Harbor Township School District. She shared her maternal qualities with many students. She advocated for improved benefits by unionizing the drivers as part of the NJEA.

Believing in the importance of education at any age, Joyce earned her GED and later graduated with an AA degree from Atlantic Cape Community College. She continued her studies at Richard Stockton University, obtaining a BA Degree in Criminal Justice while working as a paralegal. As a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC), Joyce supported women facing abuse while rebuilding their lives after addiction.

Joyce found joy in activities such as reading, art, sewing, cooking, listening to music, dancing, and gardening. She is survived by her memories, carried by those who loved her, and preceded in death by her parents Percy and Josephine Hill, her brother Frank Hill, her daughter JoElla Beresford, and her grandson Ocean Beresford.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Reubena Spence, and her wife Madeline Gale of Montclair, NJ, her son, Reuben Spence Jr. and wife Kimberly, and grandson Stephen of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren including, Olivia Rowe (mother Ally) and Odette and Penelope Beresford (mother Rana).

She is also survived by nieces Jacqueline Francine Hill of Columbia, SC, Sicily Hill-Parms and her husband James of Philadelphia, PA, as well as great-nephews Xavier and Giovanni. Additionally, she is survived by niece Angel Hill of Sicklerville, NJ, nephew Christopher Arnold of Philadelphia, PA, cousin Lillian Johnson of Raleigh, NC, and a multitude of other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.